Additionally, the Illinois Senate approved a new school funding bill. Opponents view the measure as a bailout for the financially struggling Chicago Public Schools. The proposal now moves to the Illinois House, where insiders believe it likely won't pass. Gov. Bruce Rauner has voiced opposition to the plan.

Firearms trafficking would be a Class 1 felony which would come with a prison sentence of no less than 4 years and no more than 20 years. The charge would become a Class X felony for persons previously convicted of firearms trafficking, gunrunning, or a felony offense for the unlawful sale, delivery, or transfer of a firearm or ammunition in Illinois or another jurisdiction.

The bill is sponsored by House Minority Leader Durkin and Senate Minority Leader Radogno. The measure was unanimously passed in the House last month.

SB0210

A measure that creates the Bath Salts Prohibition Act received a House Judiciary - Criminal Committee hearing. The legislation holds that a person may not sell or offer for sale any bath salts in retail establishments in the state. The measure passed out of the committee and will be moved to the floor.

Bath salts is a synthetic drug with mood-altering and stimulant properties. The drug’s chemical makeup is often altered to avoid legal ramifications. The act amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to include such drugs.

The bill unanimously passed in the Senate last month. It is sponsored by Rep. Avery Bourne and Sen. Andy Manar.

HR1162

A bill that urges Major League Baseball teams to extend sideline netting to protect against foul balls and shattered bats received a House Consumer Protection Committee hearing. The measure passed out of committee and will be moved to the floor.

The legislation also holds that initial hearing should be no later than the morning following a juvenile’s placement. This includes weekends and holidays. If the minor is not brought before a judicial officer within the 24 hour period, he or she must be released from custody.

The measure passed in the House last month with a vote of 73 yeas and 39 nays. It is sponsored by Rep. Robyn Gabel and Sen. Donne Trotter.